A number of food processing companies in the north and north-east have received their share of funding from the Scottish Government.

More than £6 million has been awarded to 18 food and drink companies through the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme (FPMC).

Government said the funding, which will safeguard 345 jobs and create 156 new ones, would enable companies to invest in infrastructure, upgrade or replace sites and purchase new equipment.

“Food and drink continues to be one of Scotland’s success stories of recent years, with a turnover of more than £13.9 billion last year – and directly employing more than 110,000 people across the country,” said Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

“And the Scottish Government is doing everything we can to support the sector’s long-term ambition to double in value to £30bn in the next 12 years. The FPMC grant scheme is an important part of that ambition, using joint Scottish Government and European Union funding to give local businesses a helping hand, which will ensure the long-term viability of our primary producers, and maximise export markets for our fantastic Scottish produce.”

Recipients include Quality Pork Processors in Brechin and the Chapman family’s Aberdeen and Northern Eggs – branded as Farmlay Eggs – near Strichen.

Funding has also been awarded to Duncan Farms Limited, near Turriff; oilseed rape processor Mackintosh of Glendaveny Limited, near Peterhead; meat processor Millers of Speyside in Grantown; A Massie and Son in Forres; and the Ardgay Game Factory Ltd, Tain.